Matthew Kalb

Matthew Kalb, CEM-AP, CMP, started in the event industry in 2009 working for S.A.F.E. Management as an Operations Manager with the Baltimore Ravens. After working Super Bowl XLIV (44), he took an opportunity to work with Hargrove, Inc. as an Account Executive in Lanham, Maryland.

In 2017, Matthew moved to Denver and began a career with GES as a Sales Manager in their Tradeshow and Conferences Division. In 2020 he transitioned to a Phoenix based association WorldatWork as a Manager, Exhibits & Sponsorship Sales. As events began their comeback following the pandemic, he was recruited to help PRG as their new Director of Business Development in June of 2021.

He has a strong customer service background and his attention to detail and ability to think outside the box, has positioned him a leading innovator in the industry. He is a recipient of the CONNECT Associations 40 under 40 recognition and part of the inaugural class of the CEM-AP designation.

Nikki Bibbero

Nikki Bibbero, CMP, HMCC, brings a lifetime of passion to the hospitality industry. At a young age when others were playing sports or dolls with the neighborhood kids, Nikki was playing waitress, taking orders and serving her family meals in her restaurant The Scented Candle, which had locations in her mom’s Colorado backyard and Grandma’s Pennsylvania kitchen. Since then, she has graduated with a degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events from Metropolitan State University. Nikki began her adult career with Marriott International, before moving to the planner side with Kinsley Meetings and Arrow Electronics, then opened her own event management company. Nikki is currently the President of MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter. She has been honored as one of PCMA's 20's in Their Twenties Class of 2023, Smart Meetings Magazine’s 2021 Smart Women in Meetings Industry Leader, and Colorado Meetings + Events 2019 Up-And-Coming Meeting Professional. Outside of work, she loves to enjoy all of the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, travel often, and drink great wine as a certified sommelier.

Jessica Rife

As the Events Director at E Source, Jessica Rife manages all aspects of E Source conferences and events. Including her time at E Source, she has more than 13 years of event-management experience across various industries. She holds a BA in communication from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Outside of work she enjoys beaches, coffee, and chocolate.

Jeanette StensgaardJeanette, a nearly 20-year veteran of the meetings industry, works remotely for the Kidney Cancer Association as the Senior Director of Education and Events, where she executes CME-accredited, global conferences. She is the Director of Fundraising for the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter Board of Directors, an advisor on the EastWest Travel Advisory Board, and committee member of the Global Leadership Committee with Destination International.

From her first industry-related job as an administrative assistant for the National Assn of RV Parks & Campgrounds, Jeanette quickly learned she loved meetings, members, and meaningful missions! As a 10- year CMP, holding an MBA, and MPI certifications in Contracting and Negotiation, Healthcare Meetings Compliance, and Meeting and Event Strategy, industry trend analysis and strategy are not only her livelihood, they fuel her passion.

Jeanette loves public speaking and has been featured in Smart Meetings Magazine and Colorado Meetings and Events Magazine. She has been the recipient of the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter Rising Star and Smart Meetings - Meeting Professional of the Year awards.

Outside of work, Jeanette has two amazing boys and an incredibly supportive husband. She has three sweet dogs, and a [healthy] obsession with Ben and Jerry's ice-cream.

Tanis Roeder

Tanis Roeder is the Owner of Elevate Your Communication, an international training and consulting company that focuses on educating and empowering individuals to become exceptional communicators.

She has spent the last decade focusing on verbal and non-verbal communication skills that have served as the scaffolding for her business and have also allowed her to raise over 1 million dollars for charity through event planning. Tanis is currently serving as the Past President of the National Speakers Association Colorado Chapter and has presented to audiences around the globe including 25,000 youth and over 15,000 business professionals.

Holly Duckworth

Holly Duckworth, CMP, CAE, CWMF has been called the trailblazer of mindfulness for leaders. Owner of Leadership Solutions International, for 20+ years she has worked to change how we think about the impacts of stress and meetings. As a certified workplace mindfulness facilitator, she leads the global mindfulness efforts for the meetings industry. She is the founder of the American Mindfulness Association to advance mindfulness as a key strategic business practice. As author of 4 books at the intersection of leadership, sales, and mindfulness she is a sought-after global keynote speaker. Look for Holly as a featured live mindfulness trainer on Insight Timer App, or as the host producer of the Everyday Mindfulness Show with more than 150 episodes. She has been recognized by Smart Meetings Magazine, BizBash for her innovative approach and commitment to the health and well-being of meetings for planners and participants.

Eric Szymanski

Eric Szymanski is an award winning American hospitality industry professional with extensive sales & marketing leadership experience including Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Disney. Eric has demonstrated success in leading high-performing sales teams through planning, implementing and monitoring actionable sales and marketing plans at hotels and resorts of all sizes, including city-center, convention district, airport and attractions areas. He has a proven track record of success at all levels through the achievement of both individual and team goals for several 1st tier, globally recognized brands. Throughout his career, Eric has created authentic, world-class experiences while volunteering at all levels in several meetings industry associations. As the co-author for Sell More Stress Less: 52 Tips to Become A Mindful Sales Professional Eric believes that sales does not have to stress people out, in fact when done authentically can inspire both the sales person and prospect. Eric has co-founded the C-Suite Network Mindful Leadership Council with his business partner Holly Duckworth to bridge the use mindful leadership practices, and science to improve overall business culture.

In 2018, Eric was recognized with the top individual sales Platinum award winner by Disney for his work in the convention sales division. In 2002, he